Qualified SEND Teacher (QTS) – SEMH Specialist School

Location: Chelmsford / South Woodham Ferrers, Essex
Job Type: Full-Time | Monday – Friday
Start Date: ASAP / January 2027
Agency: TeacherActive

About the Role

TeacherActive is currently recruiting a passionate, dedicated and experienced Qualified Teacher (QTS) to join a specialist therapeutic SEND school in Essex.

The school supports children and young people with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs, Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC), adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and additional learning difficulties.

We are looking for an enthusiastic and resilient teacher who can deliver engaging, individualised lessons while creating a safe, nurturing and structured learning environment.

This is a fantastic opportunity for a qualified teacher who is passionate about supporting vulnerable pupils, particularly those who may have struggled in mainstream education.

The school takes a trauma-informed and therapeutic approach to education, focusing on building positive relationships, developing emotional regulation and helping pupils achieve their full potential.

Key Responsibilities

• Plan and deliver engaging, differentiated lessons tailored to pupils with SEMH and additional SEND needs.

• Teach pupils across the relevant primary or secondary key stages, adapting teaching strategies to individual abilities.

• Support pupils with challenging behaviour, emotional dysregulation and barriers to learning.

• Implement positive behaviour management strategies and appropriate de-escalation techniques.

• Create a calm, structured and supportive classroom environment.

• Develop positive relationships with pupils, encouraging confidence, independence and emotional wellbeing.

• Work closely with Teaching Assistants, therapists, SENCOs and other professionals to support individual learning needs.

• Adapt the curriculum to accommodate pupils with EHCPs and additional educational requirements.

• Monitor, assess and record pupil progress, celebrating both academic and personal achievements.

• Maintain high standards of safeguarding and pupil welfare.

The Ideal Candidate

• Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) – Essential.

• Experience teaching within a SEND, SEMH, Alternative Provision or mainstream school.

• Strong understanding of challenging behaviour, emotional regulation and trauma-informed teaching.

• Confident delivering differentiated lessons to pupils with varying abilities and complex needs.

• Excellent classroom and behaviour management skills.

• A calm, patient, resilient and adaptable approach.

• Ability to build strong, trusting relationships with pupils who may have experienced trauma or disrupted education.

• Experience working with pupils with EHCPs would be advantageous.

• A genuine passion for helping children with additional needs succeed.

• An enhanced DBS on the Update Service, or willingness to obtain one.

Teachers from mainstream backgrounds are encouraged to apply, particularly those with strong behaviour management skills and a genuine interest in moving into specialist SEND education.

Why Work with TeacherActive?

• Competitive rates of pay.

• Opportunities within specialist therapeutic SEND schools.

• A dedicated consultant supporting you throughout your placement.

• Access to ongoing training and professional development.

• Opportunities for long-term and permanent positions.

• £100 Amazon voucher referral scheme when you refer a friend who successfully works through us (terms apply).

• PAYE payment options with no hidden administration fees.

Apply Today!

Are you a QTS-qualified teacher looking for a rewarding opportunity where you can make a genuine difference to children and young people with additional needs?

Whether you're an experienced SEND teacher or a mainstream teacher looking to transition into specialist education, we'd love to hear from you!

Apply today with your up-to-date CV, and a dedicated TeacherActive consultant will be in touch to discuss the opportunity further.

TeacherActive is an equal opportunities employer and operates as an Employment Business in providing temporary or contract job-seeking services.